If you really feel attached in some way to the Titanic story, you need to go to Halifax where all rescue mission took place. This is truly authentic and moving.
After the great ship sank, the victims and survivors were brought into Halifax. With reverence and actual material from the ship, the Maritime Museum in Halifax devotes a section to the memory of this horrific event. This city has seen much tragedy and with class and respect the memorial allows the visitor to see how this event unfolded.
My sister and were on business and I had time to view in detail on my own. Later we travelled to Fairview cemetary where most victims are buried. There are also several other cemetaries according to religion. This city does not have any signs advertising the display or directions to Fairview, I asked a restaurant server. There is really a Jack Dawson (not the Leonardo character from the movie) buried there. A small, small sign points to the area in this large place, very discreetly.
No flowers or gaudy markers indicated this area, which I found so respectful.
It truly is a display to educate you. In the museum, one can look into portals and see what the different cabin classes looked like.
Actual pieces from the ship are there. Also a moving display of fishing family mementoes: when a ship was wrecked, coastal families would salvage wood from the ship and preserve its memory with carved picture frames, game boards, etc. It was done with respect to the victims.
Mrs. Astor's life jacket is there as well as many other items. A film in a small theatre shows actual footage from the rescue mission. I did not know they were finding victims all the way into June of that year. Can you imagine?
The Titanic tragedy also laid the outline for future missions: shortly after this two ships collided in Halifax harbor setting off an explosion that rocked the entire city and burnt half of it in a firestorm. One ship was loaded with explosives. This event's rescue was aided with the Titanic's experience.
Can you imagine being there in Halifax when they brought the sad cargo of victims in?
Apart from Tragedy, Halifax is a vibrant awesome city that I can't wait to visit. All of Nova Scotia is a incredible Canadian island. Drive around to the north and stay in Bed and breakfast inns. Go to hear Celtic music as you've never been entertained before.
I live over 4 hours by plane to this province (Nova Scotia which means New Scotland) and I'd love to take my children one day. As a Canadian, I am proud of our respect and knowledge of history. We are very understated people and yet I have to encourage our great neighbors to the south (that's you Americans!) to investigate some of our treasures.
We love the USA and love Americans so come visit us. THere is more to this country than Toronto or MOntreal. THere is more to this country than beer and snow! Our summers are awesome and you dollar goes a long way.
I live in the prairies in the province of Manitoba. The queen of England will be here next week so we are not that unknown a place.
Ok, I am done!!!!
